Chiefs 2017 positional preview: Defensive line

BACKUPS

Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

DE Tanoh Kpassagnon

The Chiefs drafted Tanoh Kpassagnon in the second round of the 2017 NFL Draft based on his raw physical abilities. He will be a bit of a project player. At 6-foot-7, 289 pounds and only four percent body fat, Kpassagnon has the length, size and athleticism in what you want from a defensive lineman.

Kpassagnon is also highly intelligent, double majoring in finance and accounting. He will need to work on his balance and overall body control as he develops. He is not a natural pass rusher and will need to develop some pass rushing moves.

It may take some time, but the sky is the limit for Kpassagnon and he should have plenty of time to learn and improve without being rushed out.

My projected stats:5 combined tackles, 1 sack

Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

DE Jarvis Jenkins

Kansas City signed Jarvis Jenkins in the middle of the season last year to provide the defensive line with some much needed depth.

Jenkins was considered one of the best defensive lineman prospects of the 2011 NFL Draft, but his career has been mostly disappointing to this point as he has been often injured and in trouble with the NFL’s substance abuse policy.

The Chiefs resigned Jenkins this offseason to a one-year deal and he should provide solid rotational depth to the defensive line.

My projected stats:5 combined tackles

Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports

NT/DE Rakeem Nunez-Roches

After initially making the final 53-man roster in 2016, Rakeem Nunez-Roches was quickly demoted to the practice squad after Week 1. He was promoted back to the active roster in Week 7.

From then on, RNR was a prominent player on the Chiefs’ defensive line. He can play any position on the line and should see significant snaps this season even if he isn’t a starter.

My projected stats:20 tackles, 1 sack

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